American rapper, Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, popularly known as Doechii, has been named Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year.
Billboard announced this on Monday, March 10, stating that Doechii will be honoured at the Billboard Women in Music event scheduled for later this month.
Doechii, known for her viral hits “No Scrubs” and “Denial Is a River,” has quickly risen to fame in the rap world. “Denial Is a River” recently peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In January, the Tampa-born artist won her first Grammy Award for “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” which earned Best Rap Album. This made her the third woman in Grammy history to win the category. She also made her debut performance at the Grammys the same night, thrilling the audience with “Denial Is a River” and “Catfish.”
Reacting to the honour, Billboard’s editor-in-chief, Hannah Karp, praised Doechii for her unique style. “Doechii’s ultra-candid lyrics and utterly unique sound, style, and spirit have set her apart as a true force in music today,” Karp said.
Doechii has secured five songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Balloon” and “ExtraL,” collaborations with Tyler, the Creator and Jennie, respectively.
This is not the rapper’s first recognition by Billboard. In 2023, she received the Music Rising Star award. She now joins a select group of artists, including Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, who have progressed from that honour to being named Woman of the Year.
Billboard’s 2025 Women in Music event will also recognise other artists. Jennie will receive the Songwriter of the Year award, Erykah Badu will be honoured with the Breakthrough Award, and Meghan Trainor will take home the Hitmaker Award.
The event will feature performances from Ángela Aguilar, aespa, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Megan Moroney, Muni Long, and Tyla.
